- Tanzanian Police confirm their official X account was briefly hacked on May 20, 2025.
- Hackers falsely claimed President Samia Suluhu had passed away.
- The Force dismissed the post and urged the public not to spread it.
- President Suluhu responded firmly after Kenyan activists were deported for attending a trial in Tanzania.
- She emphasized Tanzania’s sovereignty and warned foreign activists not to interfere.
- Suluhu vowed to defend national peace and unity against external influence.
The Tanzanian Police Force has confirmed that unknown cybercriminals gained access to its official X account on the morning of May 20, 2025. In a statement, the Force said investigations are ongoing to trace those behind the breach and false information.
Fake Death Report of President Suluhu Disowned
The hackers used the platform to circulate alarming and untrue claims, including a fake announcement that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had died. Authorities were quick to clarify that the Police do not and cannot issue such sensitive statements on social media platforms.
“The Police Force wishes to inform the public that false, misleading, and unethical statements are being circulated on its social media platform (tanpol), aimed at deceiving the public into believing that these claims were issued by the Police Force through its official X account,” the statement read.
Public Urged to Ignore Viral Post
Following the false post, the Police cautioned Tanzanians to disregard the statement and avoid amplifying the misinformation. The hackers reportedly hosted a live X Space briefly during the breach, further fuelling the confusion.
Deportation Sparks Tension With Kenyan Activists
The hacking incident came days after a heated diplomatic moment between Tanzania and Kenya. President Suluhu made headlines for defending the decision to deport several Kenyan activists, including former Minister Martha Karua and ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.
The group had flown to Tanzania to support opposition figure Tundu Lissu during his trial. However, they were denied entry and sent back, sparking debate and criticism across the region.
President Defends Tanzania’s Sovereignty
Speaking shortly after the incident, President Samia Suluhu strongly warned that Tanzania would not tolerate interference from external parties. She stressed that regional activists should not be allowed to intrude into the country’s domestic matters.
“We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” she said.
“They Bring Chaos Where They Go” – Suluhu Warns
The President also claimed that some activists had already created unrest in their home countries and were now trying to transfer that instability to Tanzania. She maintained that her government would not allow the peace and unity of the nation to be threatened.
“They have destroyed their own countries, and now the only peaceful and united nation left is ours. We must not allow those who have brought chaos elsewhere to come and create problems here,” she stated.
Suluhu Vows to Maintain Law and Order
President Suluhu reiterated that it is her responsibility to protect Tanzania’s peace and ensure no external influence disrupts public order. She instructed security forces and foreign policy leaders to stay alert and firm.
“I do urge the security agencies and our foreign policy leaders not to give room for unruly elements from other countries to come here to us,” she added.
No Room for Outside Interference
Under her administration, Suluhu assured that Tanzania will not permit foreign individuals to interfere with national matters. She emphasized that peace, order, and sovereignty will remain her top priorities moving forward.
